About the reserve

Great Wood is an ancient woodland including probably the largest collection of wild service trees in the country, as well as fantastic stands of oak, with some trees probably more than 200 years old.

Great Wood was the last known stronghold of the wood white butterfly, now extinct in Wiltshire. Commercially managed for decades, this ancient woodland was in urgent need of restoration to attract wildlife that has been lost from the area and prevent more species disappearing. Thanks to a grant from Biffa Award, and thanks to generous donors following an appeal, we have been able to begin restoring this woodland back to its former glory. 

This woodland is currently closed to the public whilst our woodland restoration work continues. If you wish to see the woodland, you may register as a volunteer with us to join our monthly sessions. We also hold open days where the woodland is open for people to explore for a few hours. Our next open day will be 16 October and is unfortunately now fully booked. Keep an eye on this page as we release further dates.